New York Knicks Rumors: Iman Shumpert For Kenneth Faired Makes No Sense

By Brandon Fitzpatrick

John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this season, the New York Knicks offered Iman Shumpert to the Denver Nuggets in return for Kenneth Faried, but the Nuggets declined that offer. The Knicks are once again trying to ship Shumpert to Denver, as they have opened up trade negotiations with the Nuggets again. The Knicks would be foolish to make this trade.

Shumpert had been dreadful this season, there is no denying that, but he is still a young asset that has shown flashes of brilliance. In games against the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets, he scored 26 and 27 points respectively. He is also known for his tenacious perimeter defense. His stats have taken a nose dive in general this year; he is only averaging seven points per game and is shooting a dismal 38.1 percent from the field.

However, a Faired for Shumpert trade makes no sense for the Knicks. The Knicks’ biggest need is at the point guard position; they don’t need another overpriced big man who has limited offensive game, as they already have Tyson Chandler to fill that void. Faired only averages 10.5 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per game.

There is no doubting that the Knicks have limited size, but you don’t need big men in order to win in the NBA anymore. Small ball has become the status quo with many teams. In order to succeed in the NBA, you have to have a good point guard and the Knicks need that, not a power forward. They can get away with playing Carmelo Anthony at the power forward position.

The Knicks are known for making stupid deals, but this one could possibly take the cake if they pull the trigger. Shumpert should be traded, but not for Faired.